Preventive Maintenance and Repair Service Agreement for two Zeiss Merlin Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscope (FEG SEM) and a Gatan 3View serial block face sectioning device
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), specifically the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), is conducting market research to identify sources for a Preventive Maintenance and Repair Service Agreement for two Zeiss Merlin Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscopes (FEG SEM) and a Gatan 3View serial block face sectioning device. This is for market research purposes only, not a request for proposal. Capability statements are due by June 22, 2026.
Scope of Work
The NCTR Nanotechnology Core facility requires yearly maintenance contracts to ensure the reliability of its instruments for research support. The agreement will cover:
- Zeiss Merlin FEG SEM (Serial Number: MRL 40-6054): One year of complete, all-inclusive, highest-tiered preventive maintenance and repair service. Repairs exceeding 30 days will extend the contract period (for the base year only). Coverage includes one FEG tip change-out, OEM-certified technicians, OEM specifications/parts, one annual on-site PM visit, and access to a manufacturer's technical call center.
- Zeiss Merlin FEG SEM (Serial Number: MRL 40-4265) paired with Gatan 3View (Serial Number: 3V033M): One year of the highest-tiered service coverage available. This instrument pair is not subject to the 30-day repair deadline. Coverage includes OEM-certified technicians, OEM specifications/parts (parts paid by Government), one annual on-site PM visit (consumables paid by Government), one FEG tip change-out, and access to a manufacturer's technical call center.
- Option Years 1-3 (starting Oct 1, 2027): For both instruments, the 30-day repair deadline for MRL 40-6054 will no longer apply due to potential part unavailability. All other requirements for OEM-certified technicians, OEM specifications, annual PM visits (consumables paid by Government), technical support, and software updates remain. Labor and travel for PM/repairs are included, but parts will be paid by the Government. All services must be performed at NCTR, Jefferson, AR.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 811210 - Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
- Small Business Size Standard: $34 million
- Period of Performance: Base Year (9/12/2026 - 9/11/2027) with three one-year option periods.
- Response Due: June 22, 2026, by 13:00 CT
- Published: June 12, 2026
Evaluation
This market research aims to identify small business sources capable of providing the required services, though other than small businesses are also encouraged to respond. Responses will help the FDA determine the appropriate acquisition strategy (e.g., small business set-aside, full and open competition, or sole-source) for any future solicitation.
Additional Notes
Interested parties must submit capability statements including business details (SAM UEI, size status), descriptive literature demonstrating compliance with technical requirements, three years of relevant past performance, estimated on-site response times, available service/repair plans, GSA/BIC/AbilityOne contract info (if applicable), Section 508 compliance, and informational pricing. The government will not respond directly to comments or suggestions but will consider them. This is not a solicitation, and the government is not obligated to award a contract.